Bradley Wright-Phillips' hat-trick breaks new ground for English stars in MLS

New York Red Bulls striker becomes the first Englishman to score a hat-trick
in Major League Soccer as former Premier League stars make an impact in USA

Rampaging Bull: Bradley Wright-Phillips is mobbed by his New York team-mates after scoringPhoto: AP

By Jimmy Pierce

10:10PM BST 27 Apr 2014

No longer the exclusive preserve of fading stars seeing out their twilight years in return for a hefty final payday, Major League Soccer has in recent years welcomed an increasing number of English players, still competitive at home, eager to try their hand in an ever-improving league.

One player in that bracket, Bradley Wright-Phillips, declined offers to stay in England to join New York Red Bulls last season. Last Wednesday, he scored a hat-trick in his side’s 4-0 win against Houston Dynamos and became the first Englishman to do so in the 19-year history of the MLS.

“If I’d known it had never been done before, then I don’t think I would ever have managed it – I’d have been trying too hard,” he said.

“It’s something I can now look back on, something that’s always going to be there no matter what. My dad and brother Shaun have both sent me congratulatory texts. It’s mad but feels very, very good.”

To add a healthy dose of irony, Wright-Phillips was given a helping hand by the man who overtook his father, Ian, as Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer. Thierry Henry laid on the first for his strike partner and, after Wright-Phillips had added a second, the Frenchman – Red Bulls’ usual penalty taker – was fouled in the opposition area.

“I gave him the eyes, bullying him into letting me take it,” Wright-Phillips joked. “No, Thierry was great about it. He obviously recognised I was on two goals and handed me the ball and told me to concentrate. I’m not too keen on penalties but this one went in, thankfully.”

Part of the legacy left by David Beckham was the advent of the Designated Player, whose wages do not count towards clubs’ salary caps. It paved the way for the likes of Henry and Jermain Defoe at Toronto FC, raising the standard and acting as a catalyst for Nigel Reo-Coker at Vancouver Whitecaps, Giles Barnes at Houston and Wright-Phillips among others to join them.

The lure of partnering Henry was admittedly considerable and partnering him up front has proved something of an education for the former Manchester City and Charlton forward.

“I’m a player that likes to run in behind defenders, while he drops into the hole. He basically tells me where to run and I follow. He sees every pass, every run, making it so easy for me.

“I had a few offers in England. I initially came over just to train. I wasn’t really expecting to stay but as soon as I saw the players in action, the stadium and the facilities, I immediately didn’t want to go back.

“The standard would definitely surprise those who don’t follow the league,” he added. “The Designated Players are obviously fantastic but the others are technically good as well. It’s physical, there are a lot of athletes, but teams try to play out from the back – the right way as far as I’m concerned.”

Midway through last season Wright-Phillips joined the club previously known as MetroStars before Red Bull added the franchise to its growing repertoire of sports teams in 2006. He chipped in with four key goals in seven appearances as his side won the Eastern Conference for the third time and the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the most points across both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

“I couldn’t have settled in any quicker,” said Wright-Phillips, clearly revelling in his American adventure. “Living in New Jersey and nipping into New York City whenever I want is just great. Honestly, I love it here.”